Rights groups condemn Iran “cyber crime” unit
Updated: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Photographer: WashingtonTV
Internet user in Tehran
11:00GMT—6:00AM/EST
Washington, 17 November (WashingtonTV)—Amnesty International on Monday condemned reports that Iran plans to establish a special unit to fight “cyber crimes”, saying the move indicates a greater crackdown on freedom of expression.
The London-based rights group described the move as an attempt to stifle dissent, intimidate political opposition and extend the climate of repression online.
Reporters Without Borders on Tuesday voiced concern over the consequences that such a unit could have for online free expression.
“This new unit will further undermine freedom of expression, which is already severely limited in Iran,” said Malcolm Smart, director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa program.
Smart said that the Iranian authorities should instead “end the mounting attacks on Iran’s bloggers and online activists.”
The special unit, which would report to the chief prosecutor, is to search the Internet to identify people “spreading lies” and “insults” against the Islamic Republic.
Amnesty International said that the move would impose on cyber activists the “same flawed legal standards” which have resulted in the imprisonment of scores of journalists.
“In the midst of acute political tension throughout Iran, policing the Internet is yet one more way in which the authorities are seeking to stifle political dissent,” said Smart.
Iran was ranked 172nd out of 175 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2009 press freedom index.
Sources: Amnesty International website, Reporters Without Borders website
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